Our horseback riding
adventure tour starts in the mountains from the Pacific Slope -in
the village Sta. Elena in Monteverde's Cloud forest- across the
continental divide to the Caribbean side with the famous lake Arenal with
breathtaking views of the Arenal Volcano.

...early morning in the village of Sta. Elena. The
horseback ride will be with stunning views to the Gulf of Nicoya and Puntarenas.
As we come further down we ride along a stream with dry forest and see many
different birds and hundreds of butterflies, this is my favorite part on this
ride today. There are always changes to jump across a fallen tree or cross the
stream. We stay in the Balneario "Pueblo antigua" cerca del museo "Las MInas"
in Sierra / Las Juntas with swimming pool
and 2 hot spring pools and restaurant, a real relaxing treat after this first ride.

day 2: Las Juntas to Solania

In the morning we start in the
low land of Las Juntas along the valley and some streams. Soon we climb again in
the mountains and get beautiful views of the Peninsula Nicoya in the distance.
We see Cerro de San Josť, a stunning unique mountain peak. In the end of the
day we reach Solania, a little village in the dry mountain area of Tilaran. We
stay in nice comfortable cabins at Solania
Lodge, a finca with 150 ha land and
all facilities you can think of.

day 3: Solania

You spend
the day visiting the waterfalls or climb the mountains in the 150 ha finca
by foot or by horseback, play Volleyball, football or you simply enjoy the day in the swimming pool or at
the terrace bar with views to the mountains or in the distance to the Gulf of
Nicoya.

day 4: Solania To Rio Chiquito

We start going down in the Valley of Rio
Canas, that we go all the way up along this river across the continental divide
to the Caribbean side in Costa Rica. This time we see Cerro de San Josť from
the north. Soon there appears the famous Arenal Volcano in the distance, before
we go down to the lake Arenal and end this day in Rio Chiquito or:

alternative to the night in Rio Chiquito it
is possible to go across the lake Arenal by speedboat (20min.) to see the lava
flow of the Arenal Volcanoby
night and spend some time in the famous hot
springs of Tabacon. You spend the night at the foot of Arenal
Volcano and come back to Rio Chiquito next morning by speed boat again.
We recommend to do this, because this is a unique change to get to La Fortuna
easily and the Arenal volcano is certainly something not to miss out in a travel
to Costa Rica.

day 5: Rio Chiquito to Monteverde

This day we ride on real mountain trails trough farmland and forest,
that is lush green with peeks of Arenal Volcano here and there until we reach
Mirador (viewpoint) de San Gerardo. The last part of our tour is going down to
the village of Santa Elena, where you spend the night and may be a few more days
to explore the activities like Sky Trek or the Reserves of the Cloud Forest of
Monteverde.

WHEN: This individual horseback riding tour can be set up
any time that suites you in your vacation. Recommended travel time for Costa
Rica is December to August, very best January to April. We will need at least 2 people. The
group will not be larger than 6 riders.

MEETING POINT:
Smiling Horses Stables - 2 km below the village of Monteverde. Coming to Monteverde we can arrange a pick
up in San Josť at the Airport or any other place of your holiday in Costa Rica.
The pick up in San Josť to Monteverde by taxi, about (3 hours) cost $ 160 US,
shared by the people that come together. You can also come by bus in 5 hours
cost $ 6 US p. P.

RIDING CONCERNS: This tour enquires horseback riding
experience, since there is 4 days riding about 4 - 7 hours a day.
Since most of the horseback riding will be in the mountains, the riding will necessarily be at a slow
pace with some moderate trotting and galloping in valleys. Riders who cannot control their horse at the canter and do 10 to 20 minutes trots will not enjoy this ride.
Dismounting and walking with horse will be required in very few locations.
Weight limit 90 kg.

HORSES:
Costa Rica horses are Criollos and we ride Costa Rica saddles. Our horses are
extremely well
trained, have very good condition and get all health and nutrition care you can
think off.

The alternative visit Arenal Volcano and the
hot springs cost an additional cost. If there is 4 people cost drop.
Ask for pricing. including Arenal Volcano Tour, entrance at Tabacon, speedboat
and taxi transportation.